Cross-Cultural Business Meetings: Italy to UAE
1 ❓ Pre-Meeting Preparation Differences
Italian habit: Arriving exactly on time or a few minutes late
UAE expectation: Arrive 10-15 minutes early for protocol arrangements
Practical adjustment: Schedule arrival 15 minutes before meeting time for proper majlis seating arrangements and ceremonial coffee
💬 An Italian executive meets with a cultural consultant in Dubai before an important business meeting
2 🕘 Meeting Opening – How to Survive The First 5 Minutes
The UAE Way:
– How they start: Formal greetings with ‘As-salaam-alaikum’ followed by handshakes
– Small talk expectations: Yes, extensive – family, travel, weather (never politics)
– Getting to business: Wait for senior host to signal
Script for Success:
‘As-salaam-alaikum, thank you for your kind hospitality’
‘I trust you and your family are well’
‘I look forward to our discussion when you feel it’s appropriate’
💬 First moments of the business meeting in UAE office
3 🕙 During the Meeting – Communication Patterns
Presenting Ideas:
– Italian style: Direct and passionate presentation ❌ May cause: Discomfort
– UAE style: Measured, respectful delivery
Disagreeing Safely:
– Never: ‘I disagree with that approach’
– Instead: ‘Your perspective is valuable. Another angle to consider might be…’
– Follow with: ‘What are your thoughts on this alternative?’
Asking Questions:
– Timing: After the senior person has finished speaking
– Phrasing: ‘Would you kindly clarify…’
– Frequency: Limited – save detailed questions for follow-up
4 🎯 Decision-Making Moments
In UAE meetings, decisions happen:
– Through consensus building and senior approval
– Key phrase to listen for: ‘Inshallah, we shall proceed’
– Your role: Express gratitude and confirm understanding
– Never: Push for immediate commitments
5 🕛 Meeting Close & Follow-Up
Ending Strong:
– Signal phrase: ‘We have been most grateful for your time’
– Your response: ‘Thank you for your generous hospitality’
– Final gesture: Wait for host to stand first
Follow-up Protocol:
– Timeline: Within 24 hours
– Format: Formal email with honorific titles
– Opening line: ‘Following our valued meeting…’
– Action items: Frame as suggestions pending approval
6 👀 Emergency Phrases
– To buy time: ‘Your point deserves careful consideration’
– To clarify without offending: ‘To ensure I fully understand…’
– To recover from a mistake: ‘I sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding’
– To politely exit: ‘Please excuse me for a moment’
Quick Win: Always defer to hierarchy and show respect for senior positions